A Computer Science and Information Systems Lecturer at the University of Limerick is to receive an international games development industry award, it has been announced. Brenda Romero, course director of UL’s new MSc in Game Design and Development, and her games developer husband John Romero will be presented with 2017 Industry Legend Awards at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards in Brighton, UK in July.

Brenda and John Romero have also been announced as keynote speakers at one of Europe’s leading game developers’ conferences, Develop:Brighton which runs alongside the awards.

Ms Romero has worked in the video game industry since 1981, with credits on over 45 games. Though best known for her work on the wizardry titles, she has also worked on other notable franchises including Dungeons & Dragons, Def Jam and Ghost Recon. Her keynote, ‘Stay: How Not to Burn Out and Thrive in the Game Industry’, looks at the positive reasons so many people stay in the games industry despite pressures, and explores lessons learned from industry veterans.

“To be honoured by the game development community is one of the best honours any game developer can receive. I’m grateful that UL lets me continue my work in the industry. It’s critical to the quality of the education we’re offering, especially in game development where things move so fast," Ms Romero stated.

John Romero has enjoyed an illustrious, decades-long career in the video game industry. He co-founded id Software in 1991, and was a crucial part in the development of iconic franchises including Wolfenstein, DOOM and Quake. His keynote, ‘A Life in Games’, will explore experiences spanning almost forty years from the Apple II to the Apple iPhone, from Dangerous Dave to DOOM, and culminate in speculation on what the future holds.

“We’re delighted to announce Brenda and John Romero as keynote speakers for Develop:Brighton 2017,” said Andy Lane, managing director of Tandem Events, organisers of Develop:Brighton.

“With a combined total of nearly 70 years’ experience working in the games industry and a surname that helped forge it into what it is today, I’m incredibly excited to hear their insights on topics old and new,” he continued.

Develop:Brighton is a three-day conference, expo and networking event taking place from Tuesday, July 11 to Thursday, July 13. Brenda and John Romero will be individually awarded the 2017 Industry Legend Awards at the Develop Industry Excellence Awards, organised by NewBay Media, on the evening of Wednesday, July 12.

“Brenda and John Romero are the perfect choice for the Development Legend award and we’re very excited to accept them on stage to award it to them in person,” said Jem Alexander, editor of Develop Magazine.
“Their influence on the industry is truly legendary and their continued work and presence in games is a boon for all involved,” he continued.